King George V Avenue oaks funded

The dollar-for-dollar heritage funding from Tamworth Regional Council and the NSW government will be used to maintain the famed oak trees, remove the trees that can’t be restored and replant new trees. 

The money comes as council announces a working group for the picturesque avenue has been established and will meet in May.

Councillor and Tamworth Heritage Working Group chair Juanita Wilson said survival of the avenue and its oak trees is critical to residents.

“Five residents were selected because of interest in the avenue and many come with abilities that will contribute to the up-keep,” she said.

“They’ll ensure the care, maintenance and ongoing aspirations of the avenue in the eyes of the people.”

The oak-lined avenue gained international prominence when Hollywood star Angelina Jolie used it as the backdrop to a dramatic scene in her movie Unbroken.

On top of the King George Ave funding, a further $29,000 has been put towards maintaining and promoting the region’s history.

Mayor Col Murray said the funding, which coincides with the Tamworth Regional Heritage Week, gives council the scope to do some meaningful work.

“Some of these community projects put quite a drain on council's resources,” Cr Murray said.

“[This] allows us to continue our work to maintain the region’s rich heritage.”

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said joint funding from council and the state government would “protect, promote and celebrate the heritage Tamworth is so famous for”.

“Looking after our heritage is everyone’s responsibility and communities play an important role in maintaining and promoting local heritage,” Mr Anderson said.